1783 - Volunteer Convention

The Irish Volunteer Convention opened in Dublin, bringing together delegates from across the country. The meeting demonstrated the growing political confidence of the Protestant patriot movement. Their demands for parliamentary reform would influence later constitutional nationalism.

1845 - Potato Blight

Reports of potato crop failure began appearing in Irish newspapers with increasing frequency. The extent of the blight's spread was becoming apparent across multiple counties. These early warnings marked the beginning of what would become the Great Famine.

1916 - Prison Ships

The British authorities began transferring Irish prisoners from Frongoch prison camp to other facilities. The moves aimed to break up networks forming among the detained rebels. Frongoch had become known as the "University of Revolution."

1969 - Callaghan Reforms

Home Secretary James Callaghan announced major reforms of security policy in Northern Ireland. The changes included the disarming of the RUC and disbandment of the B-Specials. These measures marked significant concessions to civil rights demands.

1981 - Prison Protest

Republican prisoners in the Maze Prison began discussions about new forms of protest. The talks followed the recent end of the hunger strike. Their deliberations focused on maintaining pressure for political status through other means.